Higher education has long been recognized as a key driver of economic growth and development. Universities and colleges are essential in supporting economic growth and competitiveness by providing a highly skilled workforce, research and development activities and creating new technologies through knowledge.
Training a skilled workforce
Training skilled personnel is among the most important ways higher education institutions contribute to economic growth. Universities and colleges provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce, including critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. These skills are in high demand in today’s rapidly changing and globalized economy and are essential for individuals to compete in the job market and drive economic growth.
According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of the population aged 25 to 64 with a university degree has steadily increased over the past two decades, reaching 28% in 2018. This increase in highly educated individuals has contributed to the growth of industries such as information and communication technologies, scientific and technical services, finance and insurance.
Higher education also provides individuals with specialized knowledge and skills in engineering, finance and healthcare. This specialized training enables individuals to make significant contributions to their respective industries and support the growth of these sectors. Also, this training can help individuals adapt to changing economic conditions and technological advancements, enabling them to remain competitive and contribute to economic growth over the long term.
Research and development
Another fundamental way higher education institutions contribute to economic growth is through their research and development activities. Higher education institutions are often at the forefront of scientific and technological advances and play a role in innovating and developing new technologies. This research and development may contribute to the growth of the higher education sector itself and has far-reaching implications for other industries and the broader economy.
Universities and research institutions often partner with businesses and government agencies to develop new technologies and products, which can create new jobs and industries. Statistics Canada reported that the number of patents filed by universities increased by 70% between 2006 and 2016, reflecting the growing role of universities in driving innovation and technological advancements.
These partnerships can also help to transfer knowledge and technologies from academia to the private sector, enabling businesses to adopt new technologies and drive economic growth. Additionally, higher education institutions often research important social and economic issues, providing policymakers with the evidence to make informed decisions supporting economic growth.
The importance of investing in education
Given the role that universities and colleges play in driving economic growth, it is increasingly important for countries to invest in their higher education systems. By investing in higher education, governments can ensure that their workforce has the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the global economy and that their industries can take advantage of new technologies and innovations. This investment can also help to attract foreign investment, as companies are often attracted to countries with well-developed higher education systems and a talented labour pool.
According to Statistics Canada, total spending on just research and development in higher education in Canada reached $15.9 billion in 2020/2021, with most funding coming from the government. This investment has supported the growth of higher education institutions and the development of a highly skilled workforce, contributing to the overall growth of the Canadian economy.
Investing in higher education can help address many of the global economy’s challenges, including income inequality and economic diversification. For example, by providing individuals with access to higher education and the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, countries can help to reduce income inequality and support more equitable economic growth. Additionally, investing in higher education can help countries to diversify their economies, as educational institutions play a critical role in developing new industries and technologies.
Higher education is essential in driving economic growth by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce, supporting research and development activities, and contributing to innovation and developing new technologies.
As the global economy continues to evolve and become more competitive, it is increasingly important for countries to invest in their higher education systems to ensure that their workforce has the skills and knowledge needed.